We Found the 10 Best Ankle Support Shoes, After Wear-Testing 135+ Pairs

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, extra-wide), Men's 6-15 (medium, extra-wide) | Weight: Women’s 9.3 ounces, Men's 10.2 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush, responsive | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Best for those who want a stable, comfortable ankle support shoe for running, walking, and everyday wear.

With a versatile design, exceptional support, and lasting comfort, Nike’s Structure 25 Road Running Shoes are our top choice for women. During testing, on our walks and hikes, we immediately noticed extra protection and support for unstable ankles. Our feet and ankles stayed in place, and we didn’t feel like we would twist or roll them. Plus, the rubber outsole provided grippy traction, even on wet surfaces and uneven terrains.

The shoe’s breathable upper combines foot-hugging support and a comfy fit with a sleek style that inspired us to wear these shoes for both fitness and casual wear. We were also impressed with the plush but responsive cushioning, which provides effective arch support for our flat feet and solid impact protection. Even after wearing this pair for over eight hours daily, we noticed no pain or fatigue in our feet or joints.

Also available in men's sizes at Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

We found that the shoe's laces are smooth and untied easily, so you may need to replace them with another set.

“These shoes provided wonderful support for my ankles and all other joints. They allowed me to stay on my feet for longer amounts of time during work. I had more energy and felt like I could do more things after work, rather than just go home and lay down due to fatigue.” —Rachel M., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Men's 8-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Women's 6-13 (medium, wide, extra-wide) | Weight: Men’s 11.9 ounces, Women's 10.7 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Best for those who want a durable ankle support shoe with motion control for safe exercising.

Brooks’ Beast GTS 23 Road Running Shoes feature exceptional cushioning and stability, making them ideal for men with weak or injury-prone ankles. We have a history of gout and weak ankles and were impressed by this shoe’s motion control technology, which promoted a natural stride and proper foot alignment while we walked and jogged on pavement or light, uneven trails. During a pickleball game, the grippy traction kept us confident while lunging and swinging our pickleball paddles, even while playing on a damp court. 

The shoe’s midsole features plush cushioning and firm arch support that holds up well during periods of extended wear—a testament to its durability. And we noticed that the breathable, stretchy upper provides a snug yet comfortable fit, keeping our feet securely in place. Plus, they're American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved, meaning a group of podiatrists determined that these shoes promote good foot health.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Fleet Feet.

Initially, the shoes felt a bit stiff for us, but after a few walks, we noticed that this discomfort quickly disappeared.

“After a few miles of walking in the shoes, I could tell that the support was one of the best I have experienced. The true test for me was playing pickleball. I didn't worry about slipping on the court and was able to take shots I would have been cautious about before. My feet and ankles were supported, and I felt it elevated my play.” —Kyle W., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide) | Weight: Women's 10.3 ounces, Men's 11.5 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best for those who want a budget-friendly, APMA-approved ankle support shoe for walking and hiking in cool or cold weather on various terrains. 

Saucony’s Women's Integrity Walker 3 Shoes feature a durable leather upper, solid comfort, and reliable support—all at a budget-friendly price. During our daily three-mile walks and jogs on uneven trails and pavement, we noticed that the firm cushioning provided exceptional impact protection and ankle stability.

We also appreciate the grippy rubber outsole, which provides reliable traction on different surfaces and helps keep us balanced and steady, whether we're working out or going about our day-to-day activities. This APMA-approved shoe’s plush, form-fitting collar and tongue also add to its overall comfort and stability. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Zappos. 

• The durable leather upper and plush cushioning limit the shoe’s breathability, so your feet might feel a bit warm in hotter weather. However, we think these are ideal for those who run a bit cold or for wearing in chillier weather.
• If you’re used to a thin, low-profile shoe, these may feel slightly bulky at first. However, this didn't bother us.

“I loved the stability of these. I have a prior ankle injury on my left ankle, so jogging or lots of walking in a shoe that isn't supportive is scary for me. I didn't catch or stumble at all while wearing the shoes, and they felt good on multiple surfaces.” —Ali H., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Men's 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Women's 5-12 (medium, wide) | Weight: Men's 11.3 ounces, Women's 10.6 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel insole, synthetic rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best if you want a budget-friendly pair of ankle support shoes that are durable enough for road running and hiking on moderate trails. 

Durable and versatile, Asics’ Gel-Venture 10 Shoes are rugged enough to handle road running, trail runs, and hiking on moderate trails. When we tested a previous iteration of this shoe, its grippy rubber outsole kept us stable on uneven and wet surfaces. At the same time, the gel-cushioned midsole offered responsiveness and comfort. 

We love that the mesh upper is reinforced with abrasion-resistant overlays, providing a snug and protective fit. It comes with a sock liner that we found molds to the shape of our foot. Plus, it’s also removable if you wear orthotics. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.

• During testing, we found the toe box to be a bit narrow, but the shoe is available in wide sizes for those who need more space. 
• These shoes don’t have the most sleek, streamlined look.

“These shoes were very comfortable from the get-go. I have higher-than-average arches and found these shoes incredibly supportive and well-cushioned. The shoes maintained comfort throughout our various hikes and walks, providing great support and cushioning on multiple surfaces. I also found them to provide excellent balance on uneven terrain on hikes.” —Cory V., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Men's 7-15 (medium, wide), Women's 6-11 (medium, wide) | Weight: Men’s 10.9 ounces, Women’s 9.1 ounces | Materials: Jacquard mesh upper, foam insole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush | Drop: 6 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Best for those who want a stylish shoe for everyday running and walking with plush cushioning.

If you need a shoe that can easily handle everyday runs, light hikes, and long walks, we recommend Hoka’s Gaviota 5 Running Shoe. It features the brand's H-frame structure, which prevents the foot from rolling inward, and a wider platform that adds to the shoe’s overall stability and safety. During testing, we were impressed with the shoe’s durable rubber outsole, which offered reliable grip even on wet surfaces.

With plush cushioning and a thick sole, this shoe offered solid comfort and impact protection during our walks and runs. The padded collar and tongue added even more ankle-cradling support. We also like that the attractive style suits both athletic and casual wear. Like some of our other favorites, it has also earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for its comfortable, supportive design. 

Also available in women's sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hoka, and Fleet Feet.

• During testing, we found the shoe felt a bit tight behind our toes, but it’s available in wide sizes for those who need more space. 
• When we wore this pair, our feet got a bit warm. However, this didn’t cause discomfort or blisters.

“The shoe’s grips were very good for court surfaces. I was able to stop quickly on various surfaces, even when it was wet. There was absolutely no wear to the soles—I think they will easily outperform my other shoes.” —Kyle W., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Men's 6.5-18 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Women's 5-12 (narrrow, medium, wide) | Weight: Men’s 13.7 ounces, Women's 9.8 ounces | Materials: Leather and suede upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Best for those who need a sturdy, durable, and well-cushioned ankle support shoe with excellent impact protection and comfort for walks, workouts, and casual wear.

We like New Balance’s 608v5 Shoe for its solid impact protection, reliable support, and budget-friendly price. During testing, we found that the shoe’s plush, supportive cushioning kept our feet and joints free from pain and fatigue. Our tester has a history of ankle, knee, and heel injuries and feels comfortable and confident wearing these during high-impact activities, including short runs on concrete sidewalks.

We liked how the shoe’s cushioning and upper hugged the contours of our feet for a secure but not constricting fit. Even when wearing this pair for 12 hours during a music festival in hot weather, they felt supportive and breathable, with no discomfort, rubbing, or chafing. We were also impressed with the shoe’s sturdy, durable outsole, which provided good traction on various surfaces, including grass, pavement, and gym floors.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Although we like this shoe’s ample support and cushioning, it’s heavier than other shoes we tested and may feel a bit bulky.

“I feel very confident in the shoe's ability to support my ankles. My feet feel secure and supported in the shoe, and the worry of rolling or twisting is lessened so much, thanks to their sturdiness.” —Steven R., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Women's 5-12 (medium, wide) | Weight: Women's 9.9 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush | Drop: 8 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Best for those who want ankle support shoes for walking and low- to moderate-impact exercises.

For excellent comfort and support during fitness walks and gym workouts, we recommend Ryka’s Devotion XT Mid Top Training Shoe. During testing, we immediately noticed the shoe’s cloud-like comfort from its thick, plush midsole cushioning. We also found that the high, padded ankle collar offered extra support for walking, as well as workouts such as strength training and cardio classes. We especially appreciate this because of a previous ankle injury.

Meanwhile, the shoe’s durable rubber outsole improved overall stability, providing reliable traction on gym floors. The roomy toe box offers plenty of space for toes to splay, allowing for a stable base during strengthening workouts. We also like that the shoe’s cool, attractive design works for both athletic and casual wear.

We found that the shoes' Velcro straps loosened during high-intensity workouts, so this pair is more suitable for low- to moderate-impact activities like walking and strength-training.

“This shoe provides good stability, cushioning, and fit for my daily exercises, including walking, strength training, and dance cardio. I feel like I’m walking on a cloud.” —Jinfeng C., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Women's 5-12, Men's 6-15 | Weight: Women’s 9.3 ounces, Men’s 11.3 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Best for trail runners and hikers who want solid ankle support, high traction, and stability on rugged terrains.

Nike’s Zegama 2 Trail Running Shoe helps limit excess movement and prevents ankle rolling on wet, uneven terrains. During test walks and runs, we immediately noticed how the shoe’s grippy traction kept us steady and confident on muddy, rocky, and grassy trails. We also like how the ankle collars hug our ankles for extra support and stability while keeping out dirt and debris.

While this pair is designed for trail running, we found it was versatile for road running. The shoes also provide excellent grip and stability for activities requiring quick, lateral moves, such as pickleball. The toe box is wide enough for toes to splay, which also helps with maintaining balance and stability. Plus, its cushioning feels supportive and comfortable, keeping our flat feet and joints free from pain and fatigue during and after exercise.

Also available in men's sizes at Nike, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

When testing this pair, we noticed that our feet got a bit warm, and we were happy to take the shoes off after longer runs so our feet could air out. However, we didn’t notice any rubbing, chafing, or blistering.

“I felt incredibly stable in these shoes. I wasn't ever worried about slipping or twisting my ankle, even when jogging downhill in mud, or running zig-zag through narrow, rocky trails. Because of the high traction on the outer soles and the higher ankle fabric, I definitely trusted these shoes to keep my ankles secure.” —Abby M., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Men's 7-14, Women's 5-12 | Weight: Men's 13 ounces, Women's 11 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best for hikers who want extra ankle and arch support on and off the trail. 

Arc’teryx’s Aerios Mid GTX Shoes are durable, supportive, and protective for hiking on- and off-road. The mid-cut height helps support the ankles, while the integrated support shank provides torsional stability (meaning stability in the midfoot of the shoe) to keep you balanced and stable on uneven surfaces. In fact, we think it's one of the best hiking shoes out there.

During test hikes, our feet, arches, and ankles felt well-supported and protected on various terrains. And the waterproof membrane kept our feet dry and comfortable, without causing any overheating or excess sweating. Plus, we found that the durable rubber outsole provides exceptional traction, adding to the shoe’s overall safety. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos. 

We found the laces a bit difficult to tie at first. However, we got used to them over time.

“My feet and ankles were well supported, and I feel like I could wear them for even longer hikes. There was also sufficient arch support.” —Dylan T., Verywell Fit product tester

Sizes: Women's 6-11 (medium, wide), Men's 6-14 (medium, wide) | Weight: Women's 8.9 ounces, Men's 10.8 ounces | Materials: Partially recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Best if you have foot pain or plantar fasciitis and need a comfy, cushioned ankle support shoe for walking, running, and daily wear. 

Hoka’s Bondi 8 Shoe delivers a comfy, stable ride that’s ideal for those who regularly experience foot pain, including plantar fasciitis. The APMA-approved shoe’s plush yet supportive cushioning provides stellar shock absorption, which reduces the load on your plantar fascia. Plus, there's extra cushioning in the heel that offers even more ankle protection. 

During wear tests, we noticed the snug, secure fit right away. We appreciate the shoe's pillowy tongue and memory foam collar, enhancing its comfort and support. The breathable mesh upper is protective, while the durable rubber outsole provides grippy traction on various surfaces. As one of our favorite shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can’t go wrong with this pick. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Hoka.

• These are one of Hoka's heavier, bulkier sneakers, so they’re not the best choice for doing speed workouts. 
• Compared to other walking and running shoes on our list, these are less springy and responsive.

“I'm comfortable wearing these on uneven terrain. My feet don't slide around at all. They're wide enough to provide support without being too wide that my feet feel loose or unstable.” —Donna F., Verywell Fit product tester